Functional protective cover for portable audio and video devices

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a protective cover composed of a semi-rigid wrap that adheres to a handheld audio and/or video device. The cover preserves the integrity of the design of the handheld device as well as allows the end-user to operate the device without removing the cover.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority upon U.S. provisional application Ser.Nos. 60/933,707, filed Jun. 8, 2007, and 61/025,865, filed Feb. 4, 2008.These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties for all of their teachings.

BACKGROUND

With the emergence of portable audio and video devices such as cellphones, MP3 players, and digital cameras, there is a growing need toprotect these devices. A variety of covers and protective cases areavailable. Most covers are designed to remain on the device while inuse. There are several disadvantages with this approach. First, thecovers are often bulky. Additionally, the covers do not adequatelyprotect the screen. At best, the screen is protected by a separate clearsticker with adhesive, or a thin slick clear plastic sheet that is heldbetween the surface of the screen and the cover. Finally, the covers maynot provide adequate protection when the device is exposed toundesirable conditions (e.g., rain, physical contact). What is needed isa protective cover for a portable audio or video device that permits theend-user to use the device without removing the cover. The cover shouldalso preserve the aesthetic properties of the device as well.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a protective cover composed of a semi-rigid wrapthat adheres to itself and/or the device. The cover preserves theintegrity of the design of the handheld device. The cover is a singleply cover that wraps around the device. The cover is not an assembly ofmaterials or parts. It provides surface protection and shock absorbency.In certain devices, the cover permits full function of touch screen pushbuttons, clickwheels, and other manual controls; thus, the end-user canoperate the device without removing the cover. The covers describedherein are easy to remove and apply to the device, and they do notrequire the use of adhesives or solvents such as alcohol.

The advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the aspects describedbelow. The advantages described below will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.Like numbers represent the same elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a cover of the present invention for applying to an iPod.

FIG. 2 shows a cover of the present invention with lines or creases foraligning an iPod in the center of the cover.

FIGS. 3-5 show the steps for applying a cover of the present inventionto an iPod.

FIG. 6 shows the top-view of the folded cover of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an iPod wrapped with a cover of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cover of the present invention with a plurality of holesto be positioned over the earphone of an iPhone.

FIGS. 9-12 show the steps for applying a cover of the present inventionto an iPhone.

FIG. 13 shows an iPhone wrapped with a cover of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the steps for applying a cover of the present invention toa cell phone.

FIGS. 15-18 show the steps for applying a cover of the present inventionto a cell phone.

FIG. 19 shows a cell phone wrapped with a cover of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 shows a cover of the present invention for applying to a digitalcamera.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a digital camera wrapped with a cover of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present device and/or methods are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the aspects described below are not limited tospecific devices or methods, or uses as such may, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to belimiting.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to “a polymer” includes one or more polymers.

Described herein are protective covers for handheld devices. In general,the protective cover is composed of a flat, smooth, transparent,semi-rigid, slightly flexible film with dimensions suitable for wrappingaround the device. For example, when the device is an iPod, theprotective cover is a film having a length sufficient to wrap around thegirth of the device and then overlap in back of the device so that theoverlapping portion does not extend past the sides of device, and awidth that equals or slightly exceeds the height of device. Exemplaryshapes and designs of the protective cover are shown in FIGS. 1-22.

The material is slightly flexible so that the material grips the smoothsurface of the device and adheres to the device. Additionally, thematerial can adhere to itself. Thus, the protective cover can bedesigned so that the ends of the protective cover overlap and adhere toone another. The adhesion of the material to itself and the devicesecures the device within the protective cover. Thus, the use of snaps,Velcro, adhesives, solvents, and other securing means is not necessarywhen using the protective covers described herein. The protective coversprovide good shock absorbency, which is important due to the fact thathandheld devices are generally exposed to a variety of undesirableconditions.

In addition to protecting the handheld device, the protective coverpermits the user to operate the device while the protective cover issecured to the device. In general, the protective cover is composed of amaterial that is thin and smooth, which allows the user-interface of thedevice to be fully functional. Thus, the thickness of the material isselected so that buttons and other command functions on the device aresensitive to the touch by the end-user. The material can be translucentor transparent depending upon the selection of the handheld device. Indevices where a video screen is present, the material is preferablytransparent.

The protective cover is composed of a semi-rigid material. The term“semi-rigid” is defined herein as the ability of the cover to maintainits shape. For example, a semi-rigid material is substantially resistantto wrinkling or creasing. The semi-rigid material is durable andresistant to tearing. The semi-rigid material can be composed of avariety of different polymers. In one aspect, the material includes apolyester, a cellulose acetate, high density polyethylene,polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. In another aspect, the material istransparent marine grade polyvinyl chloride. The thickness of thematerial can vary depending upon the material selected and the device tobe protected. In one aspect, the material has a thickness greater than 4gauge. In another aspect, the material has a thickness of 4 gauge, 6gauge, 8 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, 20gauge, 22 gauge, 24 gauge, 26 gauge, 28 gauge, 30 gauge, 32 gauge, 34gauge, 36 gauge, 38 gauge, or 40 gauge. In another aspect, the materialcan be polyvinyl chloride having a thickness of 15 gauge to 25 gauge, or20 gauge.

Other properties of the material include tensile strength, elongation,tear strength, and heat shrinkage. In one aspect, the material ispolyvinyl chloride having as tensile strength of 2,500 to 3,500 psi asmeasured by ASTM-D-882. In another aspect, the material has anelongation of 200 to 300% as measured by ASTM-D-882. In a furtheraspect, the material has a tear strength of 300 to 400 lbs/in asmeasured by ASTM-D-1004. In another aspect, the material has a heatshrinkage of −10 to 5% as measured by ASTM-D-1004. In one aspect, thematerial can be VERILON® clear vinyl.

The material can be cut into a variety of different shapes and sizesusing techniques known in the art. For example, the material can beshaped and sized by die cutting techniques. It is also contemplated thatmaterial can be embossed or debossed with product information at thetime of die cutting to simplify production. The material used for theprotective cover can be colorless or tinted with a variety of differentcolors.

FIGS. 1-22 show several embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 1-7show cover 1 and its application to an iPod. FIG. 1 shows cover 1 fullyextended in the absence of the device. Although the shape of the cover 1is that of a ghost, the cover 1 can be cut into a variety of differentdesigns and shapes. FIGS. 3-6 show sequentially how the cover is appliedto an iPod. In general, cover 1 is laid on a flat surface (e.g., a tableor the palm of the user's hand). The iPod 2 is next placed in the centerof cover 1 (FIG. 3), where the iPod is laid face down on top of thecover 1. Although the iPod does not have to be perfectly centered withcover 1, it is desirable so that the iPod will be fully covered by thecover. In certain aspects, the cover 1 can be marked with lines orcreases to help the user align the iPod with the cover. This optionalfeature is depicted in FIG. 2 by dashed lines 6-9. The iPod is alsopositioned such that the iPod does not extend past the edge of cover 1.In certain aspects, the cover extends past the upper and lower edges ofthe iPod to ensure that the edges are protected. With the iPodpositioned face down on cover 1, the backside 3 of the iPod is exposed(FIG. 3).

By placing the iPod on the cover, flaps 4 and 5 are created (FIG. 3).Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, flap 4 is folded over the backside 3 of theiPod so that flap 4 is in contact with the backside of the iPod. Due tothe material of the cover, the flap 4 self-adheres to the backside ofthe iPod without the need of additional adhesives. Although the materialof the backside of the iPod is generally metallic, the material of thecover can also adhere to other materials such as, for example, plasticor glass. FIG. 4 shows the flap 4 folded over and self-adhered to thebackside of the iPod. After flap 4 has been adhered to the backside ofthe iPod, flap 5 is folded over the iPod such that flap 5 comes intocontact with flap 4. This is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. Flap 5 adheresto flap 4 without the need of any adhesives. The order of folding theflaps is not critical. Thus, flap 5 can be folded over the iPod firstfollowed by flap 4.

FIG. 7 shows an iPod with the cover 1 applied to it. As shown in FIG. 7,the cover extends beyond the upper and lower edges of the iPod (60 and61, respectively) to protect the edges of the iPod. However, it iscontemplated that the height 62 of the cover can be varied as needed.With the cover affixed to the iPod, openings 63 and 64 are created atthe top and bottom of the iPod, respectively. The openings permit easyaccess to any of the iPod's ports, switches or connectors. With thecover in place, the control wheel 65 can be used as if the cover werenot present. The screen 66 is clearly visible due to the fact that thematerial of the cover is transparent.

Similar to the iPod, the covers described herein can also be used toprotect cell phones such as, for example, an iPhone. FIGS. 8-13 depictthis embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, cover 80 is similar in design tocover 1 in FIG. 1 with the exception of the plurality of holes 81 incover 80. The holes are designed to be placed over the earphone of theiPhone. Although not shown in FIG. 8, additional holes can be positionedin cover 80 for the microphone as well as the viewing lens for thedigital camera. The number, position, and design of the holes can vary.

FIGS. 9-13 show the cover 80 applied to an iPhone 90. The process isidentical to that as described above for iPod with one significantdifference. Referring to FIG. 9, the earphone of the iPhone (not shown)is aligned with holes 81. In addition to ensuring that the iPhone can beused properly, the holes 81 help align and center the iPhone 90 withcover 80 without the use of any markers or creases. Once the iPhone 90is positioned on the cover 80, flaps 100 and 101 can be folded over theiPhone in a manner as described above for the iPhone (FIGS. 10-12). Onceagain, the backside of the iPhone is completely wrapped by the cover(FIG. 12).

FIG. 13 shows the front-view of the iPhone wrapped by cover 80. Holes 81are positioned over the earphone. Touchscreen 91 is clearly visiblethrough cover 80. Additionally, touchscreen 91 is fully functional as ifno cover was present on the iPhone. Similar to the iPod, the top andbottom of the iPhone are exposed so that ports, switches or connectorsare readily accessible. Although an iPhone is depicted in FIGS. 9-13,the protective cover can be applied to an iPod touch in a similarmanner.

The covers described herein can be designed to protect cell phoneshaving a variety of different shapes and sizes. FIGS. 14-20 depict acover described herein applied to a cell phone. Referring to FIG. 14,cover 140 has a number of different openings. Opening 141 is where theantenna is inserted. Opening 142 provides access to the keypad of thephone, and opening 143 provides access to the space key of the keypad.Opening 144 provides access to the control wheel, while opening 145 is aport or jack. It is contemplated that the number, size, and position ofthe openings in the cover 140 can vary depending upon the make and modelof the cell phone.

FIGS. 15-19 show the cover 140 applied to cell phone 150. Referring toFIG. 15, antenna 151 is inserted in opening 141 followed by laying thecell phone face-down on cover 140. The keypad and space button of thecell phone (not shown in FIG. 15), will line up with openings 142 and143, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 16-18, once the cell phone 150 ispositioned over cover 140, flaps 147 and 148 are folded over the cellphone in a manner described above. In the case of flap 148, openings 144and 145 of cover 140 are aligned with control wheel 152 and port 153,respectively, of cell phone 150. Once cover 140 has been affixed to cellphone 150, the keypad 154 and space key 156 are accessible and notcovered by cover 140 (FIG. 19). Screen 158 is covered by cover 140 andreadily visible through cover 140.

The covers described above are intended to be applied to a device suchthat the device can function with the cover in place. In certainaspects, the covers described herein can be placed on a device toprotect the device and when it is time to use the device, the cover canbe removed. FIGS. 20-22 depict such an embodiment. FIG. 20 shows cover200, and FIGS. 21 and 22 show cover 200 applied to digital cameral 210.The size and shape of cover 200 can vary depending upon the camera orother device that is selected.

Various modifications and variations can be made to the devicesdescribed herein. Other aspects of the devices described herein will beapparent from consideration of the specification and practice of thedevices disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary.

1. A protective cover for a handheld audio or video device comprising aflexible, transparent material, wherein the cover is designed to wraparound the device and adhere to the device.
 2. The protective cover ofclaim 1, wherein the device comprises a cell phone, a MP3 player, or adigital camera.
 3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the devicecomprises an iPod, an iPhone, or an iPod touch.
 4. The protective coverof claim 1, wherein the material comprises a polyester, a celluloseacetate, high density polyethylene, or polypropylene.
 5. The protectivecover of claim 1, wherein the material comprises polyvinyl chloride. 6.The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the material comprises athickness of 5 gauge to 40 gauge.
 7. The protective cover of claim 1,wherein the material comprises polyvinyl chloride comprising a 15 gaugeto 25 gauge.
 8. The protective cover of claim 6, wherein the materialcomprises polyvinyl chloride comprising a thickness of 20 gauge.
 9. Theprotective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality ofholes that are positioned over an audio component of the device.
 10. Theprotective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an opening forreceiving an antenna.
 11. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein thecover consists essentially of a flexible, transparent material, whereinthe cover is designed to wrap around the device and adhere to thedevice.